Insights
What Is Pranayama?
Learn what pranayama is and why yogic breathing matters. Discover how breath practices improve focus, energy, and balance in a modern yoga practice.
Practicing With Injuries
They say there is no greater teacher than practicing with an injury. And to be honest….this is a mouthful of truth.
No one likes being hurt. We work to be independent, stronger, and self-reliant. It is often the case that an injury creates a limitation: less strength, less flexibility, less range of motion etc. An injury pokes holes in our ego, our need to be strong, independent and capable.
How do I prepare for a Yoga Retreat?
You’ve finally committed to going on a yoga retreat…..now what!? Ideally you are not going in blind. You will get lots more out of you retreat if you are familiar with your guides/teachers. Go practice with your teacher regularly. This will deepen your connection with them, facilitate instructions during practice, and set your expectations properly.
Is Yoga Therapy for me? What does it do and what does it help?
As a long time Yoga Therapist, I find the questions above to be the million dollar questions. I generally group yoga therapy clients into two groups: ailments and personal development.
You might think to yourself, I have a physical therapist, and a doctor, and a therapist… why do I need a yoga therapist? Yoga therapy is an integrative approach to the human system based on yogic teachings and ayurveda to improve overall health. It has entirely distinct models and approaches on health that draw from eastern studies, medicine and philosophies that supports the system as a whole. If you’ve ever had the privilege to go to an integrative medical center, where all your doctors, therapists and providers talk with one another, you know the value of being seen as a whole. This is what we do in yoga therapy: we do not replace your other providers, we help you bring the system together.
The Benefits of Private Yoga Over Public Classes
Historically, yoga was taught one on one. One teacher and one student. Classically in India, a young boy was sent to live with a teacher who would guide their education, practice and development. Once the student left the teachers auspice, yoga was still taught to a single person. This took into account a person’s age, physical condition, ayurvedic constitution, ability and capacity.
Distinguishing Between Yoga Retreats: Cultural, Social, and Immersive
In my youth, I would go on retreats and pile into yurts with a sleeping bag, eating vegan food and being hungry, but still practicing 3–4 times a day with a teacher I admired. At my age… this is no longer the case. Know who you are and be honest with yourself about how you travel.